The Detroit Lions took a positive step in free agency, re-signing cornerback Chris Houston to a five-year deal, according to the team’s website.

Losing Houston would have weakened a secondary that already needed help. Now the Lions have retain their best corner from last season and can focus on upgrading their secondary in free agency and the draft.

Chris Houston will return to the Detroit Lions for the 2013 season. (AP Photo)

The Lions have targeted Texans free-agent safety Glover Quin and also are pursuing Dolphins free-agent running back Reggie Bush.

The Lions also signed defensive lineman Jason Jones, who has experience at both tackle and end. Agent Mike McCartney said Wednesday on Twitter that he's "excited for Jason Jones to be in Honolulu Blue" after agreeing to a deal with the Lions. Terms were not immediately available.

Jones, who is from the Detroit area, played 12 games with the Seattle Seahawks last season. He was not a starter, but the 6-5, 276-pound Jones could play a bigger role with the Lions, who may lose defensive end Cliff Avril to free agency. Detroit also released veteran Kyle Vanden Bosch last month.

Jones spent his first four seasons in Tennessee and was a starter at defensive tackle in 2010 and 2011. He has 18.5 career sacks.